AMVCA 2026 Reflects Nollywood’s Growing Focus on Craft, Scale, and Creative Excellence

The 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards delivered more than just red carpet moments and celebrity celebrations.

This year’s awards highlighted something bigger happening within Africa’s film industry: a growing emphasis on technical excellence, storytelling quality, and the expanding commercial maturity of Nollywood and the wider African creative ecosystem.

Held in a star-studded ceremony featuring some of the continent’s biggest entertainment figures, the AMVCA 2026 recognized standout achievements across film, television, digital storytelling, and content creation.

Among the night’s major winners were:

• Uzor Arukwe, who won Best Lead Actor for Colours of Fire
• Linda Ejiofor, who secured Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd
• Bucci Franklin, who earned Best Supporting Actor for To Kill a Monkey

Meanwhile, My Father’s Shadow emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home Best Movie alongside multiple technical awards.

Nollywood’s Growth is Becoming More Technical

One of the strongest signals from this year’s AMVCA was the industry’s growing focus on technical craftsmanship.

Beyond acting categories, several awards spotlighted the likes of:

• cinematography
• sound design
• editing
• costume design
• makeup
• art direction
• scoring and music composition

Films such as To Kill a Monkey, My Father’s Shadow, and Colours of Fire stood out across multiple technical categories, reflecting how production quality is becoming increasingly central to audience expectations and industry recognition.

This shift points to a larger evolution within Nollywood: the industry is no longer competing on volume alone. It is progressively competing on execution.

Why Technical Roles are Becoming More Valuable

The AMVCA results also highlight how value within the creative economy is extending far beyond actors and directors alone.

As production standards rise, technical specialists are becoming increasingly important to the success of modern African storytelling.

This includes: editors, sound designers, colourists, cinematographers, costume designers, makeup artists, and music composers.

These roles are becoming more commercially valuable as audiences demand higher-quality visual and storytelling experiences.

For many emerging creatives, this reinforces the idea that the future of the creative economy will involve a broader ecosystem of specialized talent — not just front-facing stars.

The Rise of Digital Storytelling and Creator Culture

The awards also reflected the continued growth of digital content creation within Africa’s entertainment ecosystem.

The Best Digital Content Creator category spotlighted creators building strong audience communities outside traditional film and television systems.

This signals how the lines between filmmaking, creator culture, digital storytelling, and online entertainment are gradually getting blurred.

Today’s creators are no longer waiting for institutional validation before building audiences.

Many are leveraging digital platforms to build communities, distribute independently, monetize attention directly, and create scalable creative brands.

This mirrors broader shifts across the creator economy, where creatives are now progressively learning how to turn their creativity into income through audience ownership and platform-driven ecosystems.

‘My Father’s Shadow’ and the New Standard of Nollywood Storytelling

One of the standout projects of the night was My Father’s Shadow, which won:

• Best Movie
• Best Director
• Best Writing (Movie)
• Best Sound/Sound Design

Its dominance across both storytelling and technical categories shows the growing importance of cohesive production quality in modern Nollywood.

The film’s success also highlights how Nigerian cinema is positioning itself within a more globally competitive storytelling landscape.

As international interest in African stories grows, films are now being evaluated not only for cultural relevance, but for production depth, cinematic execution, narrative structure, and technical sophistication.

Why Awards Like the AMVCA Matter Beyond Entertainment

While award ceremonies are often viewed through the lens of celebrity culture, events like the AMVCA also play an important role within the broader creative economy.

They help in multiple ways: chief of which include validating creative standards, spotlighting emerging talent, creating visibility for technical professionals, shaping industry benchmarks, and influencing future investment.

Recognition at this level can translate into increased commercial opportunities, stronger negotiating power, international visibility, and expanded distribution conversations.

That’s why many creatives would agree that awards are not simply symbolic; they can become career accelerators within an increasingly competitive industry.

Nollywood’s Business Evolution is Becoming More Visible

Another major highlight from this year’s AMVCA is how Nollywood itself is evolving from a high-output industry into a more structured entertainment economy.

The conversation is gradually shifting toward scalability, production systems, monetization, global distribution, and intellectual property value.

As streaming platforms, digital distribution, and international partnerships continue expanding, the commercial expectations surrounding African film are also becoming more sophisticated.

This is pushing filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs to think beyond visibility and focus more intentionally on how to grow a creative business with sustainability in mind.

Full List of AMVCA 2026 Nominees and Winners

Let’s look at the full list of winners below.

Best Costume Design

• The Serpent’s Gift – Mary Chukuma
• The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3) – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade
• Colours of Fire – Valerie Okeke (WINNER)
• Something About The Briggs – Yolanda Okereke
• To Kill a Monkey – Ikechukwu Urum, John Joseph Angel

Best Makeup

• Behind The Scenes – Mojisola Imam
• Lisabi (A Legend Is Born) – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
• Gingerrr – Diablaq Artistry
• Abanisete – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye
• Warlord – Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect) (WINNER)
• Suky – Ruth Harcourt
• Labake Olododo – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

Best Art Direction

• The Serpent’s Gift – Zainab Oladupupo
• The Herd – Omolade Abisola
• Colours of Fire – Ajamolaya Bunmi (WINNER)
• Aljana – Olatunji Afolayan, Gideon Stephen
• Suky – Victor Akpan
• Inimba – Thabiso Senne

Best Sound/Sound Design

• My Father’s Shadow – Pius Fatoke, CJ Mirra (WINNER)
• Gingerrr – Tolu Obanro
• Ben Made It – Vaughan Phillips
• The Party – Tolu Obanro
• Sebata (The Beast) – Vaughan Phillips
• The Herd – Fisayo Adefolaju

Best Editing

• Cordelia – Kazeem Agboola
• My Father’s Shadow – Omar Guzman Castro
• Landline – Nwanguma Peter Chidebere, Dele Doherty
• 3 Cold Dishes – Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi
• Osamede – Winston AIG-Ohioma
• To Kill a Monkey – Daniel Anyiam (WINNER)

Best Writing (TV Series)

• The Wives – Donald Tombia, Timendu Aghahowa, Chiemeka Osuagwu
• MTV Shuga Mashariki – Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, Makgano Mamabolo (WINNER)
• Our Husband – Xavier Ighorodje
• Addis Fikir – Besufekade Mulu
• Baba OH – Temilola Balogun
• The Party – Stephen Okonkwo
• Gizat – Yednekachew Ayne

Best Writing (Movie)

• The Herd – Lani Aisida
• My Father’s Shadow – Wale Davies (WINNER)
• Blackout – Ikenna Okpara
• Cards on the Table – Shirleen Wangari
• Gingerrr – Xavier Ighorodje
• Suky – Isaac Ayodeji
• 3 Cold Dishes – Tomi Adesina

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

• The Serpent’s Gift – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi
• Lisabi (A Legend is Born) – Lateef Adedimeji (WINNER)
• Labake Olododo – Iyabo Ojo, Olukanmi Abayomi, Aalaba Onaolapo, Kene Okwuosa, Ladun Awobokun
• Aljana – Grace Yachat Yakubu
• Olorisha – Abiola Adeshina

Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa)

• Mabanda – Kang Quintus (WINNER)
• Safou (A Gift From Nature) – Nyasha Makamba
• Golden Spoon – Egbe Francis Ettabrown

Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa)

• Artal Alhanin: Our Memories – Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Abdulraham Eldouma (WINNER)
• The Omnipresent – Youssef Ben Khalifa
• The Delivery – Abdalla Ezyan
• The Hidden Voice – Houssem Eddine Abdelwahed
• This is Portsaid – Abdalla Ezyan

Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)

• Addis Fikir – Leul Shoaferaw (WINNER)
• Inside Job – Kamau Wandug’u, Joe Mahinda, Barbara Njeri Maina
• Sayari – Omar Hamza, June Wairegi
• My Son – Isarito Mwakalindile
• Kimote – Hassan Mageye

Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)

• Tlhaho Ya Mosadi – Naledi Galane, Promise Ramoroka, Ernest Ramoroka, Modipadi Mokgohioa (WINNER)
• Bet I Love You – Joseph Duke, Keamogetse Modise
• Sebata (The Beast) – African Entertainers
• Ben Made It – Thabang Mathuumetse, Thapelo Dikhutso
• Terra of Queens and Kuma 2 – Neo Leonardo Mokoena

Best Cinematography

• My Father’s Shadow – Jermaine Edwards
• To Kill A Monkey – Kabelo Thathe (WINNER)
• The Herd – Emmanuel Igbekele
• Finding Nina – Daanong Gyang
• The Serpent’s Gift – Emmanuel Igbekele
• Stitches – KC Obiajulu
• Gingerrr – Emmanuel Igbekele

Best Digital Content Creator

• Luxury Koko – Taaoma (Maryam Apaokagi-Greene)
• The Marriage List – Destiny Ogie Osarewinda
• The Rate Race – Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo
• August Meeting Election – Steve Chuks
• Did I Just Hear Muah – Akwaman
• Leave To Live – Emmanuel Kanaga & Sophia Chisom (WINNER)

Best Documentary

• Beyond Olympic Glory – Shedrack Salami (WINNER)
• The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat – Louis Ejiofor
• The People Shall – Mark Maina, Nick Wambugu
• Not Adressing This Anymore – Huzzain Bello
• BOU – Mwaka Gerald Remmy

Best Short Film

• Hussainin – Orire Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa (WINNER)
• Rise – Jessie J. Rowlands
• Fleas – Jordy Sank
• Telephone – Fimisinuola Adejonwo
• My Body, God’s Temple – Uzoamaka Power

Best Score/Music

• My Father’s Shadow – Duval Timothy, CJ Mirra (WINNER)
• 3 Cold Dishes – Nissi Ogulu
• Osamede – Chubb Okobah
• Gingerrr – Tolu Obanro
• The Party – Tolu Obanro
• MTV Shuga Mashariki – Sofresh
• To Kill a Monkey – Oscar Heman-Ackah

Best Indigenous M-Net Original

• Inimba – Siphosethu Tshapu , Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu (WINNER)
• Kukoyi – David Akande
• Undugu – Hatibu Madudu
• Out N’ About (Harar) – Bruk Yibrah
• Kamapala Creme – Joel Ndugwa
• The Chocolate Empire – Grace Kahaki and Phillippe Bresson
• Mgbuka – Eze Izu

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

• Nigerian Idol (S10) – Sulaiman Kassim, Anneke De Ridder (WINNER)
• The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3) – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade
• Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa – Graeme Swanepoel
• Off Air – Gbemi and Toolz
• Out N’ About – Bruk Yibrah

Best Scripted M-Net Original

• The Low Priest – Femi D. Ogunsanwo (WINNER)
• Adam to Eve – Lizz Njagah and Alexandros Konstantaras
• Mother of the Brides – Rogba Arimoro and Bio Arimoro
• The Yard – James Kalu Omokwe
• Bobo – Maurice Muendo

Best Scripted Series 

• Inimba – Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele, Yolanda Ndhlovu (WINNER)
• To Kill a Monkey – Kemi Adetiba
• The Yard – James Kalu Omokwe
• The Chocolate Empire – Grace Kahaki, Philippe Bresson
• Kash Money – Grace Khaki, Phillipe Benson

Best Supporting Actress

• The Herd – Linda Ejiofor (WINNER)
• Gingerrr – Bisola Aiyeola
• Behind the Scenes – Funke Akindele
• The Covenant Series – Sola Sobowale
• Aljana – Nadia Dutch

Best Supporting Actor

• To Kill a Monkey – Bucci Franklin (WINNER)
• Agesinkole 2 – Femi Adebayo
• Colours of Fire – Gabriel Afolayan
• Behind the Scenes – Uzor Arukwe
• Red Circle – Lateef Adedimeji

Best Lead Actress

• Her Excellency – Sola Sobowale
• The Serpent’s Gift – Linda Ejiofor (WINNER)
• Behind the Scenes – Scarlet Gomez
• The Herd – Genoveva Umeh
• Mother of the Brides – Gloria Anozie-Young

Best Lead Actor

• Lisabi – Lateef Adedimeji
• To Kill a Monkey – William Benson
• Colours of Fire – Uzor Arukwe (WINNER)
• 3 Cold Dishes – Wale Ojo
• Red Circle – Femi Branch

Trailblazer Award

• Uche Montana  (WINNER)

Industry Merit Award

• Sola Sobowale (WINNER)
• Kanayo O Kanayo (WINNER)

Best Director

• My Father’s Shadow – Akinola Davies JR (WINNER)
• Cordelia – Tunde Kelani
• Osamede – James Kaluu Omokwe
• The Herd – Daniel Etim Effiong
• Gingerrr – Yemi Filmboy Morafa
• 3 Cold Dishes – Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi

Best Movie

• My Father’s Shadow – Funmbi Ogunbanwo, Rachel Dargavel (WINNER)
• Gingerrr – Ope Ajayi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Wumi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Onyeka Nnama
• The Herd – Daniel Etim Effiong, Efe Ejukoriem, Ulogo Chukwudi, Kene Okwuosa, Craig Shurn, Ladun Awobokun
• 3 Cold Dishes – Martial Dansou, Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi, Ly Oumar
• The Serpent’s Gift – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi
• Behind the Scenes – Funke Ayotunde Akindele, Wendy Uwadie Imaseun

Beyond the Awards

The AMVCA 2026 was ultimately more than a celebration of winners. It offered a snapshot of where Africa’s entertainment industry is headed: an industry progressively driven by technical excellence, digital distribution, specialized talent, creator-led ecosystems, and global production standards.

And as Nollywood continues expanding its cultural influence worldwide, the next phase of growth may depend not just on storytelling alone, but on the systems, infrastructure, and creative depth supporting it behind the scenes.